Influenced by criticism touching on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), parental outlooks significantly influence student outcomes and school community dynamics. Negative parental inclinations may strain school collaborations, impacting students' education. Research indicates that anti-DEI sentiments by parents stem from misconceptions or aversion towards goals leaning towards fair treatment and the promotion of marginalized groups (Garcia & Thompson, 2021).

A discrepancy in stakes may lead to DEI regulation support or rejection by parents, potentially fracturing the school community. This may encourage environment where parents support or criticize DEI requirements, straining the congruence of the community while undercutting trust between school personnel and guardians. This is unfortunate since such trust is a bedrock for student support and achievement (Lopez & Nguyen, 2022).

It is worth noting that parents' negative remarks about DEI could detrimentally influence the educational environment. Schools may struggle to create comprehensive settings where all students feel included and significant, or safe. A lack of safe space could hamper academics and socio-emotional well-being. When students from families critical of DEI experience programs focusing on their identities, they might feel marginalized or confused, thus affecting their educational advancement and sense of belonging. Contrariwise, concentrated parental backing of DEI initiatives prompts a school environment that upholds collaboration and diversity, allowing students to learn and engage (Anderson & Patel, 2022).

Consequently, parental attitudes significantly determine how schools roll out and sustain DEI programs, affecting the school's community dynamics and overall student achievement. Clear channels of communication and education reduce the divide and augment equitable, comprehensive education for every student.

References

Anderson, S. M., & Patel, K. L. (2022). An Examination of American Public School Leaders’ Perceptions Regarding Critical Race Theory in K-12 Classrooms. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 1-33.

García, F. A., & Thompson, A. J. (2021). “Yeah, We're Impacted, but We're Also Advocating”: A Critical Appraisal of Parent Preparation for Educational Advocacy. Urban Education, 56(4), 443-473.

Johnson, U., Rios, D., Stein, L., Veltri, J. L., Dillon, R. H., Lash, K., ... & Ariail, M. (2001). The politics of school choice: How media constructs disagreements about educational inequities. Cambridge Journal of Education, 1-22.

López, F. M., & Nguyễn, M. T. (2022). Building Community by Listening to the Mothers of our Students: An Autoethnographic Reflection in Times of Resistance. AERA Open, 8(3), 1-15.

Miller, L. A., & McGinnis, S. (2021). Health and Safety Discourses Impacting Hispanic Community Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Smith, K., & Carter Jr, J. F. (2021). The 1619 project controversy: Examining Virginia candidates, current teachers, and Black parents’ background knowledge, opinions, and policy preferences. Educational Policy, 1-46.

In my opinion, when parents’ views are shaped by criticism of DEI, it can create tension within the school community, reduce collaboration, and impact the overall school climate. This often leads to a decline in inclusive practices, limits culturally responsive teaching, and affects students’ sense of belonging, which can negatively influence their academic performance and well-being.

From my African perspective, many parents see education as a tool for success, often prioritizing merit, discipline, and traditional academic paths. When DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) is criticized especially when viewed as a foreign or Western agenda, parents may resist its integration, fearing it distracts from academic excellence or cultural values. This can create tension in schools, limit open dialogue, and affect student confidence and belonging, especially for those from diverse backgrounds. As a result, school unity and student outcomes may suffer when DEI is misunderstood or rejected.

Samuel Amo Boateng

DEI is not misunderstood. It is a corrupt practice of racial discrimination that discourages and dismisses student efforts.

Growing up in Ghana within a Christian home, I observed that parental values were deeply rooted in faith, respect, and traditional community ethics. When Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives face criticism from such parents—often shaped by cultural or religious beliefs—it can lead to tension between home and school. For example, a Ghanaian Christian parent may view certain DEI topics like gender identity education as conflicting with biblical teachings. As a result, they may discourage their children from participating in related programs or voice opposition at school meetings. This can create a divide within the school community, with some families feeling alienated or misunderstood. It may also lead to a lack of trust in school leadership, affecting collaboration between parents and educators.

To address this challenge, strong and consistent communication between parents and schools must be upheld. This can be done through weekly or monthly questionnaires, parent feedback sessions, or community education workshops. If parents are educated on DEI concepts in a respectful, values-centered way, especially drawing on shared principles like justice, empathy, and human dignity, they are more likely to support these initiatives. In the Ghanaian Christian context, linking DEI to biblical values can open the door to understanding and eventual impartation—not just of knowledge, but of deeper appreciation for inclusive practices. When parents feel heard and informed, the school community becomes more unified, and students benefit from an environment that nurtures both academic growth and social-emotional development.

Samuel Amo Boateng

Why should schools teach gender identification?

I've no idea what from DEI takes in Ghana. In US, it is a corrupt, racially segregationist practice that eliminates hard work and merit in advancement and opportunity. It's the current propaganda of a group of race hvustlers

Hopefully parents, not influenced by DEI, encourage their children to earn opportunities and expect fair treatment whatever their race, gender, etc.